Face mask with adjustable ear loops

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a face mask that includes tensioned, but non-elastic ear loops for increased comfort. The mask includes a pair of panels each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. The mask also includes a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels, and an elongated side binding. The side binding has a first end coupled to one of the pair of panels and a second end coupled to the other panel. The side binding forms a first ear loop, a second ear loop, and a neck strap. A bottom binding is coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels and forms a first tension loop and a second tension loop. The side binding passes through each of the first tension loop and the second tension loop.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,475 entitled “FACE MASK WITH ADJUSTABLE EAR LOOPS” and filed on Apr. 24, 2020 for Ahyoung Stobar, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates generally to face masks. In particular, this application relates to face masks utilizing adjustable ear loops.

BACKGROUND

Masks are often used to protect against airborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. There are different levels of filtration offered by different types of masks. During a pandemic, face masks (surgical or otherwise) are often employed, and sometimes required, as a way to help control the spread of a virus.

Regardless of the level of filtration offered by the mask, the effectiveness of the mask is largely dependent upon fit and comfort. If the mask does not properly fit a user's face, the mask will not properly function to capture respiratory droplets from the user. Also, if the mask is not comfortable, the user is not likely to wear the mask, and an unworn mask (or improperly worn mask) is useless. Because of the wide variety of shapes and sizes of people's heads, many masks only properly fit a portion of the population at large. Therefore, a properly fitted and comfortable mask is desirable.

SUMMARY

A face mask and a method of providing a face mask are disclosed. In certain examples, the mask includes a pair of panels formed of cloth, where each of the pair of panels comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the pair of side edges comprising an inner edge and an outer edge, and a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels and extending outward past outer edges of each of the pair of panels to form a pair of ear loops, where each of the ear loops comprises an end. The mask also includes a bottom binding coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels, where the bottom binding comprises a first tension loop at a first end and a second tension loop at a second end, where the end of each of the ear loops is configured to insert into one of either the first tension loop or the second tension loop.

In certain examples, the inner edge is longer than the outer edge, and the pair of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, and where the inner edge of the first panel is coupled to the inner edge of the second panel. The panels, in certain examples, form a convex face mask. The top binding is configured to extend from one of the pair of panels over a top of an ear of a person, around a back of the ear, and through one of either the first tension loop or the second tension loop.

In certain examples, the side binding is coupled to each outer edge of the pair of panels. The panels may be formed of two or more layers. A filter may be disposed between adjacent layers.

In certain examples, the face mask includes a pair of panels each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. The mask also includes a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels, and an elongated side binding. The side binding has a first end coupled to one of the pair of panels and a second end coupled to the other panel. The side binding forms a first ear loop, a second ear loop, and a neck strap. A bottom binding is coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels and forms a first tension loop and a second tension loop. The side binding passes through each of the first tension loop and the second tension loop. The elongated side binding is configured to extend from one of the pair of panels over a top of an ear of a person, around a back of the ear, and through the first tension loop and the second tension loop.

The method, in certain examples, includes providing a pair of panels formed of cloth, where each of the pair of panels comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the pair of side edges comprising an inner edge and an outer edge, and providing a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels. The method also includes providing an elongated side binding having a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to a first one of the pair of panels and the second end is coupled to a second one of the pair of panels, and where the elongated side binding forms a first ear loop and a second ear loop, and a neck strap disposed between the first ear loop and the second ear loop.

In certain examples, the method includes providing a bottom binding coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels, where the bottom binding comprises a first tension loop at a first end and a second tension loop at a second end, where the elongated side binding passes through each of the first tension loop and the second tension loop. The method may also include providing two or more layers of cloth for each of the pair of panels and positioning a filter between adjacent layers of each of the pair of panels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the embodiments of the subject disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the embodiments will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram of a face mask with adjustable ear loops, according to examples of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the face mask, according to examples of the subject disclosure;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are side perspective view diagrams illustrating the face mask 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram of the right panel, according to examples of the subject disclosure;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic block diagrams depicting cross-sectional views of the face mask, according to examples of the subject disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view diagram of a face mask with adjustable ear loops, according to examples of the subject disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a method of manufacturing a face mask, according to examples of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “and/or” indicates embodiments of one or more of the listed elements, with “A and/or B” indicating embodiments of element A alone, element B alone, or elements A and B taken together.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only an exemplary logical flow of the depicted embodiment.

The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram of a face mask 100 with adjustable ear loops, according to examples of the subject disclosure. The face mask 100, as depicted, is designed to be wearable by a person 102 and comfortably cover the person's nose and mouth. There are many situations where the person will find it desirable to wear the face mask 100. Face masks, such as the example depicted, that are made of cloth are useful for slowing the spread of disease by infected individuals. An infected person can cough, sneeze, or breathe, while within an infection range and infect another person. The face mask 100 reduces the infection range and also helps to prevent the person 102 from touching his or her face.

A significant factor in determining whether the person 102 consistently wears the face mask 100 is comfort. Beneficially, the face mask 100 of the subject disclosure is made entirely of cloth, examples of which include, but are not limited to, 100% cotton or a cotton blend. An entirely cloth face mask 100 does not have hard surfaces which become rub points on the person's 102 face. Another benefit of the face mask 100 of the subject disclosure is an adjustable ear loop 104 which, unlike an elasticized band, does not put constant pressure on the ears of the person 102. Each of these features will be described in greater detail below.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the face mask 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure. The depicted example depicts a front view of the face mask 100 if the face mask 100 were laid flat on a table, for example. The face mask 100, in certain examples, is formed of multiple components that include, but are not limited to, a right panel 202, a left panel 204, a top binding 206, a bottom binding 208, and side bindings 210. The right panel 202 and the left panel 204, in certain examples are sewn together along a central axis that is approximated by a seam 212 in the depicted embodiment. The right panel 202 and the left panel 204, when joined along the seam 212, are reflectively symmetric about the seam 212.

In certain examples, that will also be described in greater detail below, the face mask 100 includes multiple layers of cloth. In other words, the right panel 202 may include multiple layers of cloth that are bound together by the top binding 206, the bottom binding 208, and one of the side bindings 210 (the fourth edge of the multiple layers are attached to one of the layers of the left panel 204). Each of the bindings described here may be formed of bias tape and used to bind together the right panel 202 to the left panel 204. In some examples, the top binding 206 is a single piece that extends from one lateral edge of the face mask to an opposing lateral edge. The phrase “lateral edge” refers to sides of the face mask 100, which in this depicted embodiment, appear to be substantially parallel with the seam 212. In certain examples, the top binding 206 is provided with a sufficient length to extend away from the seam 212 and form the ear loop 104. The top binding 206, in certain examples, extends outward laterally from each of the lateral edges (which are bound by side bindings 210) of the face mask 100 to form a pair of ear loops 104.

The bottom binding 208, like the top binding 206, secures together the bottom edges of the multiple layers of the right panel 202 and the left panel 204. In an embodiment with only a single layer of right panel 202 and left panel 204, the bindings (206, 208, 210) are useful to finish off an unfinished edge of cloth. In certain examples, the bottom binding 208 is formed with a pair of tension loops 214. The tension loops 214 are configured to wrap around ends 216 of the top binding 206 and provide a friction force to the ear loops 104 that is sufficient to maintain a position of the ends 216 with respect to the tension loops 214 while the face mask 100 is worn. Stated differently, the tension loops 214 are wrapped tight enough around the ends 216 to allow the person 102 to adjust the size of ear loop 104, to accommodate different sized persons 102, and keep that adjusted size while the face mask 100 is worn. To adjust the size of the ear loop 104 while positioning or removing the face mask 100 provides a force to the ear loop 104 that overcomes the friction force of the tension loop 214.

The tension loops 214, in certain examples, are disposed adjacent a bottom edge 218 and a side edge 220. Although depicted at the intersection of the bottom edge 218 and the side edge 220, it is contemplated that the tension loops 214 are positionable to the side of the side edge 220. For example, if the bottom binding 208 extended laterally outward past the side edge 220 in a manner similar to the top binding 206, the tension loop 214 may be formed at the end of the bottom binding. One benefit of the depicted example is that the person 102 pulls downward and/or backward near the person's ears to tighten the ear loops 104 around the person's 102 ears. This prevents the person from accidentally touching his or her nose or mouth because the person is pulling away from the nose or mouth. Additionally, the person 102 is less likely to interfere with glasses, for example, if the person had to pull upward and/or forward.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are side perspective view diagrams illustrating the face mask 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure. Due to the pattern of the right panel 202 and the left panel 204, when stitched together, a contour is formed that extends from a nose region 302 to a chin region 304. The contour extends outward from the person's 102 face and comfortably leaves room between the person's 102 face and the face mask 100. This beneficially allows for the person 102 to speak without making substantial contact with an interior surface of the face mask 100.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the person 102 may pull in a downward and/or backward direction on the ends 216, as indicated by arrows 306, to tighten the ear loops 104 around his or her ears. The tension loops 214 are configured to provide a friction force sufficient to maintain the tightened position of the ends 216 with reference to the tension loops 214. In other words, the tension loops 214 are configured with a small enough diameter that the ends 216 do not slip or move through the tension loops 214 without an external, additional force. One example of the additional force is the person 102 pulling to release the ear loops 104.

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram of the right panel 202, according to examples of the subject disclosure. As mentioned above, the right panel 202 and the left panel 204 are substantially equivalent, and when stitched along the same edge (e.g., the edge that extends from the nose region 302 to the chin region 304) are reflectively symmetric about the same edge. In the depicted embodiment, the right panel 202 includes a right (or inner) edge 402, a top edge 404, a left (or outer) edge 406, and a bottom edge 408. In certain examples, the right edge 402 has a convex edge shape and the top edge 404 has a concave edge shape. In certain examples, the inner edge 402 is longer than the outer edge 404. When two convex edges of a right panel 202 and a left panel 204 are joined they form a face mask 100 that maintains a curved pocket for comfortably surrounding the person's 102 nose and mouth. Stated differently, the right panel 202 and the left panel 204 form a contour to space the face mask 100 a comfortable distance away from the mouth of the person 102.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are schematic block diagrams depicting cross-sectional views of the face mask 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5a depicts a cross section of the face mask 100 with multiple layers. An outer layer 502 represents the right or left panels described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The face mask 100 may be formed with one or more, for example, right panels 202. Although the depicted embodiment illustrates two layers (outer layer 502 and an inner layer 504), it is contemplated that the face mask 100 may be formed of three or more layers of right and left panels. For example, a quantity of four panels may be used to create a dual layer face mask 100 having an inner and outer right panel, and an inner and outer left panel. The same pattern template (as illustrated in FIG. 4) may be used for all inner and outer, left and right panels.

Referring now to FIG. 5b , illustrated here is one example of a face mask 100 capable of holding a removable filter 506 that is disposed between adjacent layers (i.e., layers of cloth forming a panel). A pocket may be formed in the face mask 100 by using a shorter inner panel 504 that leaves an opening through which the filter 506 is inserted. In other embodiments, the inner panel 504 may be provided with a slit through which the filter 506 is inserted and/or removed. The opening or slit may be positioned adjacent one of either the top, bottom, or side edges. Different filters may be provided for different applications.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a face mask 600, according to examples of the subject disclosure. The depicted example depicts a front view of the face mask 600 having ear loops that connect to form a neck strap 601. The neck strap 601, in certain examples, is useful to prevent loss of the face mask by hanging around a neck of the user while not being worn on the user's face. The face mask 600, in certain examples, is formed of multiple components that include, but are not limited to, a right panel 602, a left panel 604, a top binding 606, a bottom binding 608, and side bindings 610. The right panel 602 and the left panel 604, in certain examples are sewn together along a central axis that is approximated by a seam 612 in the depicted embodiment. The right panel 602 and the left panel 604, when joined along the seam 612, are reflectively symmetric about the seam 612.

In certain examples, the face mask 600 may include multiple layers of cloth, as described above. In other words, the right panel 602 may include multiple layers of cloth that are bound together by the top binding 606, the bottom binding 608, and one of the side bindings 610 (the fourth edge of the multiple layers are attached to one of the layers of the left panel 604). Each of the bindings described here may be formed of bias tape and used to bind together the right panel 602 to the left panel 604. In some examples, the top binding 606 is a single piece that extends from one lateral edge of the face mask to an opposing lateral edge. The phrase “lateral edge” refers to sides of the face mask 600, which in this depicted embodiment, appear to be substantially parallel with the seam 612. In certain examples, the top binding 606 is provided with a sufficient length to extend away from the seam 612 in both directions towards and past the side seams to form ear loops. In other examples, such as the depicted example, the top binding 606 extends from one side binding 610 to the other side binding 610 without forming the ear loops 614.

In the depicted example, a single piece of bias tape forms the side binding that makes up both lateral edges of the mask 600, and extends to form ear loops 614 and the neck strap 601. The side binding 610, in the depicted example, extends through the tension loops 615.

The bottom binding 608, like the top binding 606, secures together the bottom edges of the multiple layers of the right panel 602 and the left panel 604. In an embodiment with only a single layer of right panel 602 and left panel 604, the bindings are useful to finish off an unfinished edge of cloth. In certain examples, the bottom binding 608 is formed with a pair of the tension loops 615. The tension loops 615 are configured to wrap around the side binding 610 and provide a friction force to the ear loops 614 that is sufficient to maintain a position of the side binding 610 with respect to the tension loops 615 while the face mask 600 is worn. Stated differently, the tension loops 615 are wrapped tight enough around the side binding 610 to allow the person to adjust the size of ear loop 614, to accommodate different sized persons, and keep that adjusted size while the face mask 600 is worn. To adjust the size of the ear loop 614 while positioning or removing the face mask 600 provides a force to the ear loop 614 that overcomes the friction force of the tension loop 615.

The tension loops 615, in certain examples, are disposed adjacent a bottom edge 618 and a side edge 620. Although depicted at the intersection of the bottom edge 618 and the side edge 620, it is contemplated that the tension loops 615 are positionable to the side of the side edge 620. For example, if the bottom binding 608 extended laterally outward past the side edge 620 in a manner similar to the top binding 606, the tension loop 615 may be formed at the end of the bottom binding. One benefit of the depicted example is that the person pulls downward and/or backward near the person's ears to tighten the ear loops 614 around the person's ears. This prevents the person from accidentally touching his or her nose or mouth because the person is pulling away from the nose or mouth. Additionally, the person is less likely to interfere with glasses, for example, if the person had to pull upward and/or forward.

FIG. 7 is a method of manufacturing a face mask 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure. The method 700, in certain examples, includes providing two or more panels, at block 702. Providing two or more panels, in certain examples includes providing two or more panels as depicted in FIG. 4 for use as a right panel 202 and a left panel 204. Multiple layers may be formed by providing two or more pairs of panels, each of the pair being used as either the left or the right panel.

At block 704, bias tape is provided to form bindings around the edge of the panels. At block 706, the method 700 includes sewing together a pair of panels to form at least one layer of the face mask 100. It is contemplated that a single, dual, or more layers are possible. At block 708, the method includes forming the binding from the bias tape around the edges of the panels. The bias tape forms the top binding 206, the bottom binding 208, and the side bindings 210. A single piece of bias tape, in certain examples, is used to form the top binding 206. As described above, the top binding 206 extends past the side edges of the panels to form ear loops 104 having ends 216. The ends 216 are insertable into the tension loops 214. At block 710, the method 700 includes forming the tension loops 214 in the bottom binding 208. In certain examples, the method 700 also includes inserting the ends 216 into the tension loops 214.

This description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A face mask comprising: a pair of panels formed of cloth, where each of the pair of panels comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the pair of side edges comprising an inner edge and an outer edge; a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels and extending outward past outer edges of each of the pair of panels to form a pair of ear loops, where each of the ear loops comprises an end; and a bottom binding coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels, where the bottom binding comprises a first tension loop at a first end and a second tension loop at a second end, where the end of each of the ear loops is configured to insert into one of either the first tension loop or the second tension loop.
 2. The face mask of claim 1, where the inner edge is longer than the outer edge.
 3. The face mask of claim 2, where the pair of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, and where the inner edge of the first panel is coupled to the inner edge of the second panel.
 4. The face mask of claim 3, where the pair of panels form a convex face mask.
 5. The face mask of claim 1, where the top binding is configured to extend from one of the pair of panels over a top of an ear of a person, around a back of the ear, and through one of either the first tension loop or the second tension loop.
 6. The face mask of claim 1, further comprising a side binding coupled to each outer edge of the pair of panels.
 7. The face mask of claim 1, where the pair of panels comprises a right panel and a left panel.
 8. The face mask of claim 7, where the right panel is formed of two or more layers and a filter disposed between at least two of the two or more layers.
 9. The face mask of claim 7, where the left panel is formed of two or more layers and a filter disposed between at least two of the two or more layers.
 10. A face mask comprising: a pair of panels formed of cloth, where each of the pair of panels comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the pair of side edges comprising an inner edge and an outer edge; a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels; an elongated side binding having a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to a first one of the pair of panels and the second end is coupled to a second one of the pair of panels, and where the elongated side binding forms a first ear loop and a second ear loop and a neck strap disposed between the first ear loop and the second ear loop; and a bottom binding coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels, where the bottom binding comprises a first tension loop at a first end and a second tension loop at a second end, where the elongated side binding passes through each of the first tension loop and the second tension loop.
 11. The face mask of claim 10, where the inner edge is longer than the outer edge.
 12. The face mask of claim 11, where the pair of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, and where the inner edge of the first panel is coupled to the inner edge of the second panel.
 13. The face mask of claim 12, where the pair of panels form a convex face mask.
 14. The face mask of claim 10, where the elongated side binding is configured to extend from one of the pair of panels over a top of an ear of a person, around a back of the ear, and through the first tension loop and the second tension loop.
 15. The face mask of claim 10, where the pair of panels comprises a right panel and a left panel.
 16. The face mask of claim 15, where the right panel is formed of two or more layers and a filter disposed between at least two of the two or more layers.
 17. The face mask of claim 15, where the left panel is formed of two or more layers and a filter disposed between at least two of the two or more layers.
 18. A method comprising: providing a pair of panels formed of cloth, where each of the pair of panels comprises a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the pair of side edges comprising an inner edge and an outer edge; providing a top binding coupled to the top edge of the pair of panels; providing an elongated side binding having a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to a first one of the pair of panels and the second end is coupled to a second one of the pair of panels, and where the elongated side binding forms a first ear loop and a second ear loop and a neck strap disposed between the first ear loop and the second ear loop; and providing a bottom binding coupled to the bottom edge of the pair of panels, where the bottom binding comprises a first tension loop at a first end and a second tension loop at a second end, where the elongated side binding passes through each of the first tension loop and the second tension loop.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing two or more layers of cloth for each of the pair of panels.
 20. The method of claim 19, positioning a filter between adjacent layers of each of the pair of panels. 